American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shared on LinkedIn:
“The FDA just authorized the marketing of four new flavored nicotine pouch products, directly compromising the fight against cancer and threatening to sustain youth nicotine use.
One-third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are a result of tobacco use. Decades of evidence show that Big Tobacco has used flavored products, among other deceptive marketing tactics, to addict youth to its deadly products. The flavors in this authorization include Rich Berry, Cappuccino, and Autumn Spice.
‘The FDA’s job is to protect public health, not expand the profit margins of Big Tobacco,’
said ACS CAN President Lisa A. Lacasse.
‘The FDA should be strengthening oversight, not opening the door to more marketing of addictive tobacco products. It’s time to return to strong regulation that puts health first, holds the tobacco industry accountable, and prioritizes science over corporate interests. Public health must always come before the tobacco industry’s bottom line.’
There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adult tobacco users who want to quit – but there is scientific consensus that flavored products increase risk to youth.
This authorization is yet another in a recent string for the agency: in May, it authorized four new flavored e-cigarette products, and in June, it authorized modified risk claims for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, including flavored products.
When Congress gave the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, it indicated that no new tobacco product should be authorized unless it is ‘appropriate for the protection of the public health,’ but it is clear the risks of these flavored products do not meet this threshold.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, with more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. People who use tobacco products deserve barrier-free access to proven cessation medications and services.
ACS CAN urges the FDA to swiftly reconsider this authorization and to put the health of the public and young people first – before the profit margins of Big Tobacco.”
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